Are you a control Freak?

Another blog from our Technical Manager, Martyn Fowler.....

"It never ceases to amaze me when we go out to repair and or service boilers, that many clients have virtually no controls on their heating systems. They might have a time clock, but nothing else! When you question them and ask about their heating bills, they often state they are excessive but gas is expensive and set to continue to rise, many clients do not realise how much money they are potentially wasting with their existing installation, which can be altered in a cost effective manner.


Some customers believe boiler control is to turn the boiler off when they feel too hot and by which point, you can be sure the room temperature will be around 24 degrees otherwise they probably would not notice or feel discomfort.

It is a often stated that turning down the room stat by 1 degree can save upto 10% on your utility bill therefore, temperature control can not only assist with comfort but the bank balance also.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Mr Techy with his infinite control of everything known to mankind which he can programme and adjust from the Moon. The question is “why would you want to” and most importantly, when it malfunctions, who is going to fix it? I recently went to a client who had a system that could only be sorted by the Manufacturer whose basic call out started at £600, paid in advance!

I totally agree with good controls and I often design and install quite sophisticated systems for clients but they are always based on ease of operation, client requirements and, value for money.




I believe minimum standards should be a timeclock and room thermostat (click link for supplier) and preferably not a gravity hot water system. Programmable room thermostats are becoming very inexpensive and these give great flexibility with the ability to run different temperatures throughout the day to suit client lifestyles. Why get the house up to 20 degrees in the morning when you are not sitting down relaxing but rushing around getting breakfast, the children dressed etc? therefore, you may just need the chill taken off the house. In the evening, which is when you may desire your home to be at 20 degrees you can set your controls accordingly.

Eitherway, with good controls, you are in control. If you need advice and or assistance, do not hesitate to call me personally on 0207 147 9952, I am the Manager of our Plumbing and Maintenance divison at Vast Group